We are excited to welcome @orgulozturk.bsky.social of the University of South Carolina to the network! Ozturk’s research examines national and state-level policies with a focus on disparities by gender, race, and socioeconomic status. ➡️ Learn more about Ozturk: scholars.org/scholar/orgu...

🎓 First-generation graduate students face systemic gaps that make it harder for them to enroll and complete advanced degrees. In this policy brief, Michelle Rossi (UC Davis) discusses the institutional, departmental, and faculty changes necessary to support #FirstGen students. Read the full brief:

In 2026, @calmatters.org & the @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social Possibility Lab will launch Knowledge Hub, a site for research work that’s relevant to CA state policy. Lab Director Amy Lerman says this will benefit researchers and lawmakers. Read more from @sonyanews.bsky.social, @calmatters.org:

"When countries spend more on social services like Head Start, everyone’s health outcomes are better." @rogerfigphd.bsky.social (Cornell) writes on the precarious future of Head Start in NY & urges state policymakers to treat it not only as an education program, but also as a public health one. ⤵️

In this @timeshighered.bsky.social op-ed, Sumit Karn (Teachers College of Columbia) argues that leaning into online learning can greatly benefit struggling U.S. colleges. The challenge, Karn says, is retaining the quality of higher education for students. Read Karn's op-ed. ⤵️

🧵 Showing Up, Not Shutting Down We’re proud to share SSN's 2024–25 Annual Report. Check out our highlights from the past academic year on this thread. ⤵️ 🔗 Read the full report: scholars.org/sites/schola...

🍎 Millions of children in the U.S. struggle with food insecurity. In this policy brief, @orgulozturk.bsky.social (@sc.edu) makes the case for expanding the Community Eligibility Provision Program, the largest schoolwide free meals initiative in the U.S. Read the brief: scholars.org/contribution...

We're excited to welcome @claudiapersico.bsky.social of American University to the network! Persico’s research focuses on environmental policy, inequality, health and education policy. ➡️ Learn more from Persico’s SSN member profile: scholars.org/scholar/clau...

Trump defying the Supreme Court would trigger a constitutional crisis, says Lawrence Jacobs (University of Minnesota). In this op-ed, Jacobs writes why such a move risks political fallout, economic instability, and a breakdown of the rule of laws, costs higher than many assume. In @thehill.com:

💳 Student loans are shaping the college experience more than ever. In this episode, Monnica Chan (@umassboston.bsky.social) explains what’s happening with student loans, the real impact of debt, and what solutions could make paying for college less stressful. 🎧 Listen: scholars.org/podcast/new-...

In August, more than 1.9 million Americans suffered from long-term unemployment—a post-pandemic high. Francine Blau (@cornellilr.bsky.social) says the adverse effects of extended unemployment could make it difficult for individuals to seek new jobs. From @abha-b.bsky.social, @washingtonpost.com. ⤵️

🤖 #AI could boost productivity and incomes, but risks displacing workers. In this brief, Harry Holzer (Georgetown) urges policymakers to promote human-centered skills in education, employer incentives for retraining workers & accessible retraining options. Read more. ⤵️ scholars.org/contribution...

We're thrilled to welcome @amyadamczyk.bsky.social of John Jay College to the network! Adamczyk's research focuses on how religion, culture, and national context shape attitudes about abortion, sexuality, crime, and health. Learn more from Adamczyk's member profile: scholars.org/scholar/amy-...

"Helping people achieve their childbearing goals means coming up with holistic solutions that improve people's lives, such as making housing more affordable and tackling student loan debt." Read Guzzo's piece in Newsweek today. ⤵️

Mass. Gov. Healey has proposed streamlining environmental reviews to accelerate housing construction. @katherineeinst.bsky.social (@bostonu.bsky.social) explains that this is a step forward, but it won’t solve the state's housing crisis on its own. From @beth-treffeisen.bsky.social, @boston.com. ⤵️

National test results show high school seniors scored lower in reading and math in 2024 than in 2019, with the steepest declines among struggling students. @mpolikoff.bsky.social (@uscrossier.bsky.social) says this trend is alarming. His research is in @the74.bsky.social from @gtoppo.bsky.social. ⤵️

Thanks for the introduction, @scholars.org! Excited to merge my passion for conducting research that improves outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders and my interest in science communication to support evidence-based public policy🌟

We're excited to welcome @feliciatuchman.bsky.social to the network! Tuchman is interested in bolstering access to, engagement in, and the effectiveness of substance use disorder treatment through research. 🔗 Learn more in her member profile: scholars.org/scholar/feli...

Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk became a figure in campus politics. @drkatiegaddini.bsky.social (@ucl.ac.uk) explains that his efforts to “de-program” students are connected to ongoing debates about what can be taught in higher education. 🔗 Read from @alicesperi.bsky.social, @theguardian.com:

Maine @scholars.org member Daniel Bryant has a piece in the @bangordailynews.bsky.social this week examining Maine's urgent need for a single-payer health care system. Check it out at the link below.

🍎 Changes to SNAP and Medicaid could make many children lose automatic access to free school meals due to paperwork. @marlene-schwartz.bsky.social (@uconnrudd.bsky.social) says this may make it harder for children to stay nourished and reduce school funding. Holly Firfer, @scrippsnews.bsky.social:

🌳 In this policy brief, Vanita Naidoo writes about how identity shapes experiences of green spaces. Naidoo highlights why inclusive, participatory planning practices are essential for supporting all communities in #UrbanPlanning 🔗 Read more in the brief: scholars.org/contribution...

My colleague @sundermannaj.bsky.social and I discussed in The Hill why GOP attacks on AHRQ are both dangerous and misguided, and based on an incorrect claim that its functions are duplicative. Postdoctoral training programs will be cut. Health systems research will suffer thehill.com/opinion/heal...

We're thrilled to welcome @isabelmperera.bsky.social of Cornell University to the network! Perera's research focuses on how politics shape the social policies, labor markets, and overall economies of affluent democracies. 🔗 Learn more: scholars.org/scholar/isab...

Gun violence affects thousands in the U.S. each year. In this policy brief, @deannagiraldi.bsky.social (@dspi-oxford.bsky.social) shares gaps in research and calls for inclusive, tailored studies and policies that address the real impacts of gun violence. 🔗 Read now: scholars.org/contribution...

"Immigration policies harm whole families and communities, not just undocumented immigrants." In her @edsource.org op-ed, Laura Enriquez (@ucirvine.bsky.social) shares research on how immigration enforcement affects students & how legislators + educators can support families in CA. Learn more. ⤵️

We're thrilled to welcome @deannagiraldi.bsky.social of @dspi-oxford.bsky.social to the network! Giraldi’s community-led, qualitative research centers the biopsychosocial impacts of gun violence exposure on survivors, their families & communities in the U.S. Learn more: scholars.org/scholar/dean...

📱In this @us.theconversation.com op-ed, @drat758.bsky.social and Yeqing Li share their research on Black and Hispanic teens’ online experiences and mental health. They explain what parents, educators, and policymakers can do to support teens facing online racism. Read their piece to learn more. ⤵️

We're excited to welcome @drcsampson.bsky.social to the network! Sampson’s research focuses on K-12 educational leadership, policymaking and equity, with particular emphasis on school boards, districts, and community advocacy. 🔗 Learn more from Sampson's member profile: scholars.org/scholar/carr...

🏫 Students in New Mexico are choosing non-credit programs to access better jobs, but funding and data systems haven’t caught up. In this brief, Monique Anair (@sfccnm.bsky.social) writes about the need to expand support for non-credit workforce education. 🔗 Learn more: scholars.org/contribution...

Florida SSN chapter co-leader @drlizaaranda.bsky.social (@usf.edu) has hosted a podcast called "Im/migrant Lives" since 2023. Recently, she's shifted the focus of episodes to include the many new policies changes from the Trump administration. Learn more from this Spectrum Bay News 9 piece. ⤵️

TikTok was a frontline platform during the 2023 Maui wildfires, w/ residents sharing real-time updates. In this brief, Jim Stimpson shares how public agencies can use it for disaster response while curbing misinformation. Read the brief: scholars.org/contribution...

📣 Join @aft.org and @aaup.org for the virtual launch of a new campaign uniting these organizations to protect higher education from authoritarian attacks. Open to AFT and AAUP members only, who received a registration link via email. 📆 Sept 8th 5-6pm EST www.aaup.org/event/aaupaf...

"Excited delirium allows law enforcement’s use of extreme force to go unchecked and unexamined." Read @racheljkincaid.bsky.social's and Katie Kronick's recent op-ed in @truthout.org to learn about the history and continued use of this pseudoscientific concept and why a reckoning is needed.

From writing a @denverpost.com op-ed, to contacting her representatives and speaking at a local event, Jennifer Greenfield hoped to make clear what #budgetcuts would mean for Colorado families. Read more about her outreach in this month's Member Spotlight: scholars.org/features/mem...

Southeastern #Massachusetts is being hit hard with #unemployment. Michael Goodman says during economic downturns, this area suffers more than the state as a whole and takes longer to recover. @shurufu.bsky.social, @bostonglobe.com:

Had a great chat @scholars.org on the gerrymandering arms race now underway, how we got here, and what we can do to fix this dysfunctional system.

Want to amplify your research and engage with broader audiences? Apply for the SSN Media #Fellowship before applications close on Sept 1! Gain essential skills, tailored support, and expert mentorship to effectively communicate your work across various media platforms. scholars.org/features/ssn...

As Texas and California move to redraw their Congressional maps, Prof @mlatner.bsky.social (Cal Poly & @hls.harvard.edu ) breaks down in this ep. why unfair maps weaken voters’ voices and what today’s gerrymandering fights mean for American democracy. 🎧 Listen now: scholars.org/podcast/how-...

The #Trump admin has ordered officials to weigh the “moral character” of immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship. Jane Lopez says this creates an additional burden for immigrants to prove they have “positive attributes.” Grace Moon, @washingtonpost.com: www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/...

📢 Applications for the SSN Media Fellowship are open! New to media work? Get tailored support, workshops, and mentorship from experienced public scholars to share your research. #Media #Fellowship 📆 Apply by September 1st: buff.ly/hksHqpL

2025 has been hit with extreme weather, from wildfires to floods. In this episode, @farhanasultana.com explores how colonialism & inequality shape who suffers most, and why #climatejustice must address power, not just pollution. #ClimatePolicy #GlobalWarming 🎧👇 scholars.org/podcast/uneq...

Parents’ trust in public schools has dropped, but the causes are not entirely clear. Sarah Reckhow says, "The culture war is going to animate some people, but most people really care about whether their kids learn to read." @evieblad.bsky.social, @edweek.org: buff.ly/7qJkuai

The Scholars Strategy Network is #hiring a part-time Trainings Associate! This fully remote, one-year role ($20–25/hr) supports our trainings team in equipping scholars with the skills to engage policymakers and journalists. Apply now: scholarsstrategynetwork.applytojob.com/apply/9m6blG...

🧑‍🔬 The #Trump administration has imposed numerous #budgetcuts to federal science programs. In this op-ed, Micah Altman & @philipncohen.com write about the three-fold attack the admin is inflicting on the scientific community. @thehill.com: thehill.com/opinion/whit...

The GOP’s tax and spending bill contained a number of cuts to federal #studentaid and repayment programs. @nicholashartlep.bsky.social warns that these changes will undermine opportunity for students in Kentucky. Read more in @kentuckylantern.com: kentuckylantern.com/2025/08/15/i...

The GOP's recent tax and spending law makes cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that many low-income Americans rely on to buy groceries. Professor @kenkolb.bsky.social shares what this will mean for grocery stores on @npr.org's The Indicator.

@adambonica.bsky.social's Substack essay was quoted in a recent @nytimes.com article by Thomas Edsall on the role of #SCOTUS in the Trump administration. "The Supreme Court is now in open conflict with the lower courts over cases involving the Trump administration.”

Gov. Maura Healey recently announced plans to renovate MCI-Framingham, the only prison for women in MA. In this op-ed, Susan Sered writes that this plan ignores existing alternatives and misclassifies women as medium-security. #PrisonReform @masslive.bsky.social:

"The other danger here is the more gerrymandering that happens, the less the resulting Congress or legislative body represents the broad American public," says @kimballdc.bsky.social on MO and IL governors pushing back against redistricting. @markmaxwelltv.bsky.social :